Boutique fitness chain Heartcore has launched its eighth studio in St John’s Wood as the operator continues its focus on prestigious London postcodes.

Heartcore founder and celebrity trainer Jess Schuring says the latest site – which follows last year’s openings in the City and Mayfair – has been launched in response to demand from local residents.

“We have so many amazing clients living in the area already and they’ve been asking us to open here for years,” said Schuring.

“When we found this property, my heart skipped a beat. I knew right away this would be special and it certainly feels that way already. The classes are buzzing and the warm welcome we’ve received from everyone here has absolutely blown me away.”

Sited in a former church, the new location has a heavy emphasis on design – with the Heartcore team creating the entire concept in-house. The property’s soaring ceilings lend an airy, ‘Californian-feel’ to the studio, which is complemented by natural wood floors, large windows and skylights.

The 3,000sq ft (279sq m) site boasts two studios offering Heartcore’s tried and tested mix of Pilates, TRX and Barre classes. The operator also plans to introduce its Blue Cow Yoga concept (also available at the City Heartcore location) by the end of the month and is likely to add a treatment/therapy room into the mix.

Speaking to Health Club Management Heartcore co-founder Brian Schuring described the St John’s Wood studio as Heartcore’s “best launch to-date.” He said after three weeks, the studio was already running at 80 per cent of capacity on the Pilates side and around 60 per cent in the second studio, with the forthcoming yoga aspect expected to yield further benefits.